Koni FSD + Eibach: Installed with pics

Post 137649 by pzorb on 2006-08-28 12:17:57

Working against rust and seized bolts makes this job a total pain. It took me all of Saturday to do the fronts and half of sunday to do the rears. And this is with the help of [size=3]barberecpw[/size], whom without his help the install would have been most turgid. Tips: 1. Get decent spring compressors, the ones in halfords are **** and prone to coming off: (I reattached the smaller one to try and make it less deadly - I haven't bothered removing these I just bought more compressors lol life's too short) Save yourself possible death by launched compressors and get the ones that use three or more braces. 2. When you're putting in the rear springs, make sure the spring is sat so its bottom coils cannot rub against the seat which isn't obvious when the spring is not yet compressed. Otherwise you get nasty grinding noises. edit: 3. Ask if you can borrow these from Volvo: Beg or steal if they say no. I tried everything I had; getting the original cross bolt off is damn hard without these. Parts added [LIST] [*]Koni FSD fronts & rears [*]Eibach Pro springs [*]Partsforvolvos drop links [*]Partsforvolvos Upper spring mount [*]Partsforvolvos Rear top mount [/LIST] Parts reused [LIST] [*]Original bump stops [*]Original front top mounts [*]Original front gaiters [*]Original bolts and nuts where not supplied [/LIST] Pics (click to make big) OK so before shot: Inbetween shot: Finished: Review With daily driving the cars feels squat and ready. You point, and it goes. Dip on braking and acceleration much reduced, car feels like it brakes harder and goes faster. At first I though "well it seems tighter but it's not mind blowing". Then I waited for nightfall before literally kamikaze flinging it into corners: the understeer is all but gone. I pushed it harder than I would ever have dared to on the old set-up, and it always stayed composed. I am so impressed, it's like a completely different animal. It's crazy good, words don't suffice. It's completely predictable even past grip; that 'i'm sure to die' feeling has gone when you overcook it. The versatility it offers tricked me at first, because this car is a daily driver and it really doesn't feel like a modded, uncomfy car at all. Through normal driving only the driver would notice the improvement; find the twisties and get some speed up and it just glues itself to the tarmac. I managed to forget that I was driving a FWD understeering car, I was enjoying myself too much. Fantastic.

Post 137651 by thunderace on 2006-08-28 12:21:49

well thats convinced me! great write up and info sounds as if you are happy with new set up to say the least :)

Post 137652 by SaffronC70 on 2006-08-28 12:24:11

Nice one ! Looks great and thanks for the feedback on them.

Post 137653 by BlackBeast on 2006-08-28 12:29:51

They sound superb Martin, ive yet to install my Koni yellow adjustable shocks, you've got me thinking if i should sell these and go for the FSDs now.

Post 137657 by abdul on 2006-08-28 13:01:58

excellent enjoy the car all over again

Post 137659 by siamblue on 2006-08-28 13:16:17

I am glad you got there in the end mate, i remember when i put yellow Billies and red springs on my S70 it really did handle, not too a harsh ride either, Gary.

Post 137679 by Unknown on 2006-08-28 14:53:10

..hi, yep the car looks good!, drop is at least 40mm all round, at a educated guess, may be marginly more. Good choice pzorb! I bought the same cheap spring compressors as Martin, and they are genuinely Chod, and the compressors that Martin got in the end (with the three claw compressors) much better and safer, truly the only option. Back to the suspension, feels good, even at this earley stage, with out the suspension bedding in properly. I recommended too Martin to get a wider lower profile tyre, to cheaply fine tune, and get the most out of the new set up, having done that my self, before touching the suspension. pzorb is a kool chap, well done. :Handshake :biggrin:

Post 137684 by RT MECHANICS on 2006-08-28 15:42:49

Hi glad you like the koni fsd and eibachs they are such a good choice for any 850/V70 :) Russ

Post 137697 by Fatspice on 2006-08-28 17:15:27

Hi Guys. Do you think this set up will work as well (or better) on an S70? :confused:

Post 137725 by RT MECHANICS on 2006-08-28 20:10:04

It will be a great mod on any S70/V70/850 do it Russ

Post 137745 by MIKESC70T5 on 2006-08-28 21:09:40

Being a newbee here can you help me out. As i understand it the t5r is lower than a standard t5 so would fitting this suspension set up kep it the same height but be better shocks. Also mine is an estate which has that self adjusting suspension at the back (at least i think it's something like that) so would the kit you guys are talking about fit mine. Mike.:rice:

Post 137759 by Redbrick on 2006-08-28 22:27:44

Looking good- I like it when a mod comes together :) Should feel even better in a few weeks when it's settled. Koni & Eibach for the win ;)

Post 137762 by Redbrick on 2006-08-28 22:32:51

[QUOTE=MIKES T5R]Being a newbee here can you help me out. As i understand it the t5r is lower than a standard t5 so would fitting this suspension set up kep it the same height but be better shocks. Also mine is an estate which has that self adjusting suspension at the back (at least i think it's something like that) so would the kit you guys are talking about fit mine. Mike.:rice:[/QUOTE] Eibach should indeed give the same height. Top rear mounts will need to replaced with the standard top mount- nivomat mounts are slightly different. Should really replace anyway because 10 years old and a PITA having to do again if they fail- but rear not hard TBH. Dumping 100K+(?) shocks especially nivomats for 'any' new shocks would probably blow you away. Bring it on!

Post 137766 by MIKESC70T5 on 2006-08-28 22:41:20

[QUOTE=Redbrick]Eibach should indeed give the same height. Top rear mounts will need to replaced with the standard top mount- nivomat mounts are slightly different. Should really replace anyway because 10 years old and a PITA having to do again if they fail- but rear not hard TBH. Dumping 100K+(?) shocks especially nivomats for 'any' new shocks would probably blow you away. Bring it on![/QUOTE] Thanks for the easy to understand reply. Would the top mounts come in the kit or do i have to get them from the dealer. Mike:rice:

Post 137767 by Redbrick on 2006-08-28 22:49:44

Shall I rephrase it in english and not internet talk or do you really understand? :confused: It's been a long day. Top shock mounts from sponsors Parts for volvo- click banner at top of page or Eurocarparts or dealer if your loaded ;) Sorry for the thread hijack pzorb...

Post 137769 by MIKESC70T5 on 2006-08-28 23:04:03

Thanks, the reply was easy to understand.:rice:

Post 137773 by gtiteen on 2006-08-28 23:16:12

I got Konis and eibachs, oh and polybushed all round. Having never driven an standard 850 without them im glad ive got them having read this! Glad to see someone else is doing this mod so it must be worthwhile.Whats the difference between FSD's and adjustables? Mine have got a key that you put on the top to change firmness, the rears are more hassle, i guess these are adjustables? Nice work pzorb and hope you enjoy the lateral g's! Dave

Post 137778 by abdul on 2006-08-28 23:28:30

[QUOTE=Redbrick]Eibach should indeed give the same height. Top rear mounts will need to replaced with the standard top mount- nivomat mounts are slightly different. Should really replace anyway because 10 years old and a PITA having to do again if they fail- but rear not hard TBH. Dumping 100K+(?) shocks especially nivomats for 'any' new shocks would probably blow you away. Bring it on![/QUOTE] returned mine because was told i had self levelling and they would not fit so got some different make regreting it after finding out aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh